Program Manager, Community Exploration Learning Laboratory (CELL)

Job Description Summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic STEM Education Instructor and Leader to design and deliver hands-on science lessons for primary school (grades 1-6), middle school (grades 7-9), and high school (grades 10-12) students, along with adult learners, as part of community outreach programs for Novartis. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to inspire young minds by translating STEM complex concepts into interactive, age-appropriate activities, and will oversee the development of interdisciplinary modules spanning Biology, Chemistry, and Applied Math/Data Modelling. This role involves managing external contractors, collaborating with Novartis scientists to deliver impactful STEM training, and overseeing CELL program budgets to ensure sustainable, effective operation, which serves approximately 500 students each year.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Building Trust with Society and Program Development:

• Build trust with society through CELL programs and offerings by engaging with the local community (e.g. school administrators, teachers, parents) for students of different age groups and learning styles and for students from various backgrounds
• Develop and deliver interactive science teaching lessons for local public primary, middle, and high school students, along with adult learners. reinforcing scientific principles, and critical thinking through lesson materials, including booklets, worksheets and presentation materials
• Recruit through proactive outreach of Novartis scientists to assist in the development of lessons and volunteer their time in CELL to teach such lessons.
• Collaborate with Novartis scientists/associates to pilot new laboratory experiences to ensure design and offerings are suitable for each age group.
• Introduce impactful interdisciplinary life science concepts with hands-on experimentation with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, drug discovery, and data science
• Integrate advanced lab equipment and technology into STEM teaching lessons including camps and modules
• Support CELL program offerings to non-scientist associates within the company, fostering broader scientific literacy and engagement among a wide range of Novartis associates
• Organize STEM camp sessions for associates’ children aimed at sparking curiosity, building foundational scientific skills, and encouraging future study and careers in STEM fields, including participating in the annual Take Your Child to Work Day programing.

Operations

• Ensure all teaching sessions comply with safety protocols for Novartis and address any issues with Legal as needed
• Maintain classroom management and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment
• Track and report program participation, student engagement, and learning outcomes for senior leaders through the efficient use of software tools, eg Power BI
• Create and maintain a catalogue of laboratory experiences forming an integrated curriculum and science learning continuum with lesson materials for lab and classroom learning
• Manage CELL operations to ensure availability of materials and supplies
• Oversee CELL budget planning, allocation, and monitoring to optimize program resources and support sustainable growth
• Coordinate and communicate CELL program schedules for participation and support with both internal and external partners

Management

• Recruit, train and supervise external contractors to support summer STEM Camps

Other Activities

• Proactively contribute to activities/events within the Strategy, Portfolio and Operations and Academic Partnerships & External Innovation team
• Demonstrate scientific leadership by representing CELL and Novartis to the external community, including organizing and participating in events such as local Science Fairs to promote STEM learning and outreach

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Education, Biology, Chemistry, or related STEM field
• Experience in biomedical research and teaching/working with middle and/or high school students in hands-on/lab-based environments and/or outreach
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to simplify complex STEM concepts
• Agility in data stewardship and data modelling
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for younger learners
• Creativity in lesson design and a passion for inspiring curiosity in science
• Ability to collaborate with corporate and community stakeholders
• Demonstrated commitment to community development, agility, curiosity, and teamwork in a fast-paced matrix environment
• Strong organizationa